MPS and Orbit worked together to refurbish the much-loved Little Daydreams Nursery in Erith, Kent, as part of its community investment programme. The refurbishment project completely overhauled an unused, dilapidated building into a fit-for- purpose, state-of-the-art, nursery.
The building sits beneath the Orchard House tower block and local estate, where there is a direct need for childcare. The nursery is positioned right at the heart of the local community providing a central hub for children to grow and learn.
The Housing Association Charitable Trust (HACT), provides data analytics and insight across the housing sector. In their latest Community Insight profile for Orbit Housing, they found that statistics for the number of children living in poverty, children in ‘out of work’ households, and children in lone parent households were all higher than the UK average. With 31.1% of children living in lone parent households, it is integral that children have the opportunity to learn through playing with their peers and adults.
31.1% of children are living in lone parent households
For almost ten years Orchard House was underused and in need of repair. Having recently run a self-employment course, Orbit was in discussions with one of its customers about finding space to launch a day-care centre for children with additional needs.
Orbit approached MPS and together Orchard House was identified as a potential space to launch the business.
The project at Orchard House was led by a team of kitchen fitters, plumbers, carpet layers, tillers, carpenters and painters.
MPS commissioned work on Orchard House representing over £20,000 worth of renovations. The refurbishment included the building of a sensory room and management office, as well as completely replacing the kitchen and donating all white goods to charity. From site surveys to completion, MPS turned Orchard House around in three weeks leaving behind a brand new, purpose built day-care centre, more significantly a day- care centre for children with additional needs.
MPS commissioned £20,000 worth of renovations
Orchard House now provides support and access to specialist services for 42 families. The purpose-built sensory room offers relief and a quiet place for children with additional needs, in a safe environment. Orchard House also provides a network of support for parents to interact with those who face similar pressures. Among lone parent female households this also offers relief from social isolation. The project has enabled one of Orbits customers to set up a successful business that now employs five people from the local area. Orchard House is also now a source of income for Orbit which is being reinvested back into the communities serves.
Orchard House now provides support and access to specialist services for 42 families.